This week at the Fridae Movie Club, we celebrate the guilty pleasures of watching genre films.

Our pick of the week is the latest horror film out of the revived Hammer Studios, The Woman in Black. Daniel Radcliffe stars as a young widowed lawyer who must unravel the mystery of a ghostly apparition who has been terrorising a small town, and he must do it before she kills all the children in it — including his child!

Based on a true story and real people and situations, A Simple Life is Ann Hui's latest masterpiece. The sentimental drama explores the bonds of affection between a film producer and the retired amah who has served his family for over 60 years. While being a heartwarming drama, the film also depicts the issues of ageing and life in retirement homes in Hong Kong.

A wealthy family is held hostage in their new mansion in Trespass. The kidnappers want any of the following: $200,000, a stash of diamonds, or a kidney! But if their hostages are played by Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman and the entire setup is directed by Jerry Bruckheimer expect the tables to be turned several times!

A law-abiding citizen in a profession that saves lives is forced to partner with a murderous criminal in Point Blank. Like all thrillers these days, it has something to do with a vague conspiracy that will unfold before your eyes — but not before you are treated to a series of wild chases and standoffs.

Love Strikes! is a Japanese spin on the romantic comedy that is cheerfully perverted, wildly entertaining, and very hip. Writer-director Hitoshi Ohne surprises us with his inventive plot twists, sure sense of absurdist comedy, and keen observations on modern dating in Japan.

If you're itching to watch a musical, be sure to catch Joyful Noise, which is graced by the talented Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. The duo play a bickering set of frenemies who form the core of their church gospel choir, which has one chance left to win their regional and national choir competition before the financial crisis shuts down their backing.

Till next week,

Vernon Chan